Rolling Out the Red Carpet for LD
Following a successful fundraiser by the BCHC Learning Disability (LD) Service User Group (SUG) in May, learning disability services users and their carers were treated to a fabulous night of awards, music, and food, in recognition and celebration of their achievements and contributions to learning disability care in Birmingham.
The idea for an awards evening came about when Professional Lead Nurse for LD Alison Whalley was nominated for a BCHC VIP award in 2024 and felt this would be a perfect way to celebrate the amazing people accessing LD services, linking in with the Mencap LD Awareness Week theme 'Do You See Me?', focusing on the importance of ensuring that people with learning disabilities are seen, heard, and included.
The event was held at Midland Mencap Weoley Castle on Thursday 25 September, where attendees got the red-carpet treatment upon arrival thanks to reception drinks donated by Mencap CEO Dave Rogers. Awards were presented to various service users and their carers, in categories such as “I Keep Going” for those who don't give up even when things are hard, 'I Am Creative' for those who has used their imagination to create something new, 'I Give My Time' for those who have given time to help communities, and more. Crafting Voices community choir treated the service users, carers, and BCHC staff to a wonderful performance to make the celebration a night to remember.
Dr Nosheen and Dr Qasim, who received certificates of achievement at the event, said, "As parents, it is our duty to look after our children, but if the efforts are being recognised, this gives us more courage to cope with ongoing situation. We are honoured to receive this certificate."
Care providers at the event also gave positive feedback, stating that “it's wonderful to see the positive impact” that the evening had on the 2 service users they care for. “This has really boosted their confidence and self-esteem, which not only uplifted their spirit but also inspired them, their families, and others to pursue their dreams and make an impact contributing to the community.”
The award trophies were kindly donated by TC Branding, allowing BCHC Charity to go all out on the celebration event itself. We'd like to offer a huge thank you to TC Branding for this wonderfully kind donation, the folks at Midland Mencap for hosting the event, and to Crafting Voices for helping ensure it was a brilliant night for all.
Alison said, “This awards evening was an opportunity to recognise and reward the amazing achievements and talents of some of the people, of all ages, who we support every day to live as independently as possible and to enjoy opportunities to fulfil their potential and live rewarding and healthy lives.”
“We're very grateful to the support of everyone who helped make it happen, not only within the LD Division, but also our friends at Midland Mencap, who hosted the evening; LD Patient Experience Lead Louise Parton who helped make my vision into a reality, the BCHC Charity team, and, last but by no means least, our compere for the night, the Trust's Head of Risk Management and Emergency Planning, Simon Bates. We really put the 'team' into 'Team BCHC'!”
BCHC Charity supports the Learning Disability services in many ways; take a look at our Learning Disabilities appeal to find out more and donate.